CSAG Strategy Paper: The Militia that Became a Power Player: The Houthis’ Shocking Rise

CSAG STRATEGY PAPER Vasile Nodis, MAJ, ROU AF (CSAG/CCJ5) 12 February 2025   Introduction: Despite nearly a decade of war in Yemen, the world has largely ignored the Houthis, with the conflict often labeled as “the forgotten war.” However, following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, the Houthis have propelled themselves onto the Read More >

CSAG Strategy Paper: Ceasefire Part 2 – Regional Escalation

CSAG STRATEGY PAPER Ms. Sanna Stark (CF4), SWE Armed Forces (CSAG/CCJ5), COL Karim Ismail, EGY Armed Forces (CSAG/CCJ5), COL Jerzy Kania, POL Armed Forces (CSAG/CCJ5), MAJ Vasile Nodis, ROU Armed Forces (CSAG/CCJ5), LTC Mohammad Al-Hnaiti, JOR Armed Forces (CSAG/CCJ5), and LTC Ahmed Alzeyoudi, UAE Armed Forces (CSAG/CCJ5) 13 January 2025   Introduction: Since the U.S., Read More >

Key Takeaways from the 16th BRICS Summit

CSAG INFORMATION PAPER By: LTC Syed Ali Safdar, Pak Army (CSAG/CCJ5)   2 January 2025 Subject: “Key Takeaways from the 16th BRICS Summit” Purpose: The paper presents updates, major discussions, and outcome of 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia. Read the complete paper here.   View other USCENTCOM Combined Strategic Analysis Group (CSAG) Information Read More >

CSAG Strategy Paper: The Impact of China’s Expansionism on the Region and Global Security

CSAG STRATEGY PAPER LTC Junghyok Kim, ROK Army (CSAG/CCJ5) 5 December 2024   Introduction: Many argue China has become one of the world’s superpowers. However, China appears unwilling to fully assume responsibility for issues facing the world. Simply put, China seems more concerned with furthering its own interests than addressing the problems raging outside its Read More >

Drone combat in the RUS/UKR war and potential applications for the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR)

CSAG INFORMATION PAPER By: LTC Carmine Lombardi, ITA Army (CSAG/CCJ5) and LTC Mohammed Al-Hnaiti, JOR Army (CSAG/CCJ5)   21 November 2024 Subject: Drone combat in the RUS/UKR war and potential applications for the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR). Purpose: This paper presents the CSAG’s analysis regarding drone combat in the Russian-Ukrainian war and the possible Read More >

CSAG Strategy Paper: High Stakes on High Ground: The Golan Heights, a Zero-sum Game for Regional Dominance

CSAG STRATEGY PAPER Lt Col Richard Pecinka, CZE AF (CSAG/CCJ5), LTC René Berendsen, NLD Army (CSAG/CCJ5), LTC Ivan Puhalo, HRV Army (CSAG/CCJ5), and MAJ Vasile Nodis, ROU AF (CSAG/CCJ5) 20 November 2024   Introduction: The Golan Heights, a hilly 460 square mile (1,200 square kilometer) strategically vital plateau, was seized by Israel from Syria during Read More >

CSAG Strategy Paper: Afghanistan: Three Years Down the Road and Resurgence of Terrorism

CSAG STRATEGY PAPER CSAG/CCJ5 15 November 2024   Introduction: Three years into Taliban rule, the question of whether Afghanistan once again becomes a haven for international terrorism is fast becoming a reality. The possibility of terrorism operating again in, and from, Afghanistan, threatening the security of the U.S. and its allies and partners, should be Read More >

Ceasefire Part 1 – Understanding Threat Perception

CSAG STRATEGY PAPER Sanna Stark (CF4), SWE Armed Forces (CSAG/CCJ5) 20 August 2024   Introduction: Despite many months of pressure from the international community regarding a ceasefire in Gaza, the level of hostilities and distrust remains high. It is therefore pertinent to keep in mind both the strategic objectives of sustainable governance solutions for the Read More >

Understanding the Iranian Threat Network

CSAG STRATEGY PAPER CDR Hubert Mróz, Polish Navy (CSAG/CCJ5) 29 July 2024   Introduction: The Iranian Threat Network (ITN) has emerged as a complex and multifaceted challenge in the CENTCOM Area of Operations (AOR). This strategic paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ITN, its models, significance, and the nuanced threat perceptions it Read More >

Deterring the “Exquisite Diplomat”: Unpacking the Complexities of U.S.-Iran Deterrence Dynamics

CSAG STRATEGY PAPER CDR Hubert Mróz, Polish Navy (CSAG/CCJ5), COL Sayed Mohammed, Egyptian Army (CSAG/CCJ5), and LTC Rene Berendsen, Royal Netherlands Army (CSAG/CCJ5) 8 July 2024   Introduction: The effectiveness of U.S. deterrence against Iran and its allies varies across different realms of power. In the military realm, the U.S., particularly through CENTCOM, has been Read More >